Things to Do

We headed off trail to check out some unnamed lakes above the Mono Pass Trail. Those views! Those wildflowers! Of course I was curious how the fishing was and I was not disappointed! Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 10.65 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 9,596′ – 11,328′ Date: July 28, 2016 Maps: Tioga Pass, Mount Dana, Koip Peak ...

OAKHURST — Plans for excitement are underway as the Sierra Historic Sites Association readies for celebrating the 20th annual Mountain Heritage Days on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16 – 17. Organizers say it’s going to be a blast. The festival-style event is held at Fresno Flats Historic Park for both days, with the parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. Newly-commissioned parade Grand Marshals Dr. John ...

NORTH FORK – The nonprofit Sierra Mono Museum invites one and all to share in a celebration of heritage and culture at the 45th Annual Indian Fair Days & Pow Wow, held this year on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6 – 7, at Minarets High School. Pow wow attendees enjoy traditional music, competitive dancing, food and native craft vendors. Gates open at ...

CENTRAL SIERRA – It is the start of August and the temperature is still telling us that dipping our bodies in cool water and eating watermelon is on the menu. Many locals and vacationers are looking for a cool retreat and Visit Yosemite Madera Country provides some great swimming places to beat the heat: Explore the many water activities on ...

Beautiful high lakes in the shadow of Mount Dana brought us up to this country that looked baron from afar but when we looked closer, we discovered an explosion of wildflowers blooming. . . and a curious critter! Where: Ansel Adams Wilderness, Inyo National Forest Distance: 5.24 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 9,655′ – 11,144′ Date: July 22, ...

Reflections of snow streaked mountains in seasonal tarns called us to the 20 Lakes Basin in the Hoover Wilderness. What a wonderful surprise to see so many wildflowers in bloom, especially those graceful columbine. Where: Hoover Wilderness Distance: 9.35 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Range: 10,057′ – 10,407′ Date: July 12, 2016 Maps: Falls Ridge and June Lake Topogs I just ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — “Tabletops to Domes” will be the focus of a guided tour along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway on Saturday, July 30. Join geologist Tom Burdette in an informative tour and discussion of the geology of the Sierra Nevada as observed along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, sharing the amazing events that have led to the present ...

OAKHURST — Ever wondered what there is to do around the mountain area? Come to the Oakhurst Branch Library to hear Judi Hussain explain the plethora of activities this marvelous area has to offer. Judi has been the Visitor Center Coordinator at Yosemite Sierra Visitor Center (now called Visit Yosemite | Madera County) for the past five years, and this weekend she’ll ...

Written by Jennifer Moss — MOUNTAIN AREA — Yes, it’s a fad, but it’s all the rage, and many businesses are taking advantage of this crazy craze! First off, let’s define Pokémon Go: Pokémon Go is a video game played on a cell phone that places the fictional game in and around the real world, so players have to find ...

The Conness Lakes are a magical place, especially when there is snow and ice involved. Their glacial fed turquoise waters are amazing! Where: Hoover Wilderness Distance: 4.71 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Range: 10,066′ – 10,787′ Date: July 6, 2016 Maps: Falls Ridge and Buckeye Topogs We headed east on Tioga Road, east of the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite to ...